Utilities Allocations Program Specialist I (Program Specialist I)

Position Description

Position Description

This announcement will be needed to fill a full-time, permanent Program Specialist I position in the Bureau of Utility Operations in the Department of Public Works with Anne Arundel County Government.This position provides program assistance for the management of the Allocations program for the Bureau, as well as assists with program management for other areas. The main tasks include financial management, billing, account maintenance and reconciliation, evaluation and recordkeeping of utility and allocation projects as well as other program related responsibilities.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORKThis position is responsible for providing accounting and reconciliation support for the Allocations workgroup within the Financial Services division of the Bureau. This employee is responsible for maintaining accurate records, account reconciliations, monthly billing procedures, tracking fees, payments and charges to ensure billings are accurately and timely recorded to comply with County Code and departmental procedures.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)Researches, assesses and updates for permit allocation within the county’s permitting system.

Creates, revises allocation fees and equivalent dwelling unit counts within the permitting system.

Creates, monitors, and maintains electronic and paper-based records regarding utility allocations for water and sewer service.

Reviews and calculates utility assessments and charges. Ensures the billing information is accurate and tracked. Notifies the Office of Finance when errors are discovered.

Conducts monthly reviews of permitting, connection, and billing activity for all allocation projects.

Oversees the preparation and approves the allocation reservation request forms used to establish billing of fees; and coordinates the establishment of fees with the Office of Finance.

Evaluates and prepares records required for annual tax sale. Calculates fees that are due, and coordinates information with the Office of Finance.

Provides support for and acts as county liaison with citizens and developers to assist with permitting and allocations inquiries.Creates, generates, evaluates and provides various allocation and assessment reports and graphs to track program activity; process data used to generate invoices for payment by developers; verify data or identify inaccuracies in data; and monitor changing trends and patterns.

Uses and provides various applications, software programs, reports and graphs to retrieve information used to make allocation decisions.Prepares year end adjustment schedules.

Assists Allocations Supervisor with daily managerial responsibilities as needed, and provides supervision in the supervisory absence.Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESKnowledge of the program areas related to the department/agency to which the position is assigned.General understanding of applicable County, State, and/or Federal regulations and procedures, as required.Knowledge of contract administration and monitoring, as required.Ability to perform analysis of data to determine trends, identify errors, and perform account reconciliations.

Ability to prepare, interpret, and evaluate program proposals and modifications.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.Ability to deal tactfully, effectively and equitably with people.Ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office, if necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; and one (1) or more years professional level office or program management experience to include responsibility for accounting, finance, procurement, automated payroll, and/or fixed asset controls.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following:

1. Bachelor's degree with major course work in public or business administration, accounting, finance, or related field

2. One (1) or more years' experience in office, budget, and financial management

3.Experience in water or sewer utility billing, accounting or finance